COMFORT AND QUALITY

Saturday, May 14, 2016

I know some of you have seen the “save versus splurge” type posts. They will show you a picture of an item, and then show you another picture that looks pretty similar, and then you have to guess which item cost the most. Sometimes it is hard to tell, especially from a picture. When you get to feel or touch an item, then the quality will usually be apparent.There are many items that I will go for the savings, versus the splurging. Anything that is considered to be trendy, you can pick a cheaper quality product. Since it is a trend, is doesn’t need to last you for years and years. After two to three years, a trend is gone by the wayside.

There are items that I refuse to compromise on. I want a nice quality handbag and a good pair of shoes. But, what happens if your handbag is cheap? Does it still hold your wallet and phone? Does it function as it is supposed to? The answer to all those questions is, yes. While I prefer a nice quality handbag, it is not a necessity.

However, the same can not be said of shoes. Yes, a cheap pair of shoes will cover your feet and let you walk from point A to point B, but you might pay the price later on. In my younger days, I might have even told you that quality in a shoe meant nothing. That was when I was young and dumb, or at least younger and dumber. For those of you who have issues with your feet, you know why quality is so important.

When Nina shoes contacted by to see if I was interested in doing a post, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. Had they read my post, “No Frumpy Shoes Allowed?” I love Nina shoes, and I have shopped them previously at Belk. I went to their website and was overwhelmed at all the different shoes they carry. Besides carrying your normal sandals, pumps, wedges, and boots, they also carry a wide variety of wedding and gala shoes.

It took me several days, looking daily at their website, to finally narrow a choice down to a coupe pairs. I finally gave up, and showed Joe my two choices. He made the decision in a couple of minutes. This pair is from the Nina Originals category under Island Weekend. When I saw the name of the shoe, I knew it was the right choice; Virginia. Is that a sign, or what?This shoe is perfect for so many occasions. I have chosen to style it with long pants, but the next time I can pair it with capri’s, shorts, or a dress. I can envision these shoes being the perfect go-to shoe while you are on vacation. You need to pack light, so packing a pair of shoes that can go from day-time to night-time, or from shorts to dresses, is a real space saver.The versatility of this shoe is exactly the reason I chose it. I know I will wear this shoe all summer long, and for many years to come. What I didn’t know, was that it would actually be comfortable. The first time of each year when you wear a strap between your toes, it is usually uncomfortable, until your foot gets used to feeling the strap. I put these shoes on, wore them all day long, and was not worn out of hurting in any way. Truthfully, I was a little shocked. There is no padding on this pair, it has a leather sole, but somehow the 1.5″ wedge heel is just enough added height to make for easy wearing.The two tone suede, with the black piping, is striking. I thought about getting the blue pair, but practicality won out. I wanted the pair that I would get the most wear out of. I hate being practical, but when practicality looks so cute, I can live with it.In my mind, I was going for the “Riviera” look. I have never been to France, so I probably failed miserably, but this is the look I had in mind. “Casual elegance.” I wore these linen pants earlier with white, but today I wore the matching tank top. The linen palazzo pants and matching top are by New Directions, and I bought them at Belk. The cocoon cardigan is from Cato’s and I purchased it last year. Here is a similar one. The belt came with a dress forever ago, but I wanted to gather the top in, it was too flowy otherwise. My jewelry is by Chloe & Isabel, (necklace, earrings, bracelet) with the exception of the large bangles. Both bangles were bought at vintage fashion shows.

I thought I would share with you some of the choices that were on my list of, “I need those.”

If any of the Nina shoes strikes your fancy, enter in the code “Tania” to receive 20% off your order. That code is only good through Monday night, so don’t put it off too long. Also, I sized up a 1/2 size for this pair, you might want to check the sizing charts if you order.

Book my cruise to the French Riviera, my birthday is today!!! I have a piggy bank slated “cruise”, if you want to donate to my cause. Hahaha! All I have planned for today is a pedicure and manicure, I am blessed that I don’t want for much. Thanks to everyone for helping to make my dream of starting a blog a reality. You gurls are the best!!!

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115 Responses

Happy birthday to you, Tania! My best friends birthday is today too! We have been friends since we were 10 years old. She now lives across the country, but our friendship has remained intact. So, two wonderful people have birthdays today! I hope yours is as special as you!
The sandals are so pretty. But, I have a question,do they have much padding?
Again, I hope you have an amazing day!

Tania

May 14, 2016

Thanks Jules, and Happy Birthday to your friend! I do not feel any padding on these shoes, the bottom is leather with no padding. But, they were comfortable when I wore them all day. Maybe there is some give inside that I cannot see. I have no idea. Lol!

Tania

Carmen

May 14, 2016

Happy birthday! I think this is one of my favorite outfits I’ve seen on you. It’s classy and elegant, great attention to detail without being overdone. Absolutely LOVE those shoes and they are the perfect added touch to the outfit. Great job! I really enjoy your posts – look forward to them every day. I’m a 61 year old grandmother who still loves style and fashion – always have. I hate frumpy but still want to be age appropriate – it’s a challenge sometimes, especially without blowing the budget. The way you blend fashion and fun, keep things real and don’t take yourself too seriously – love it. Have fun today!!

Angela

Tania

Mary

May 14, 2016

One of your best outfits in my opinion! The sandals did catch my eye immediately and I will be checking them out. However the whole outfit is a big “yes” for me. The accessories are spot on. You look amazing.

Tania

Happy Birthday, Tania! You look lovely in this outfit and I love the whole look. Those shoes are beautiful! I don’t usually go for shoes with the thong between the toes, but perhaps I should try them again.

Tania

May 14, 2016

Thanks Debbie! Bertha always says she can’t wear these type shoes either, but they do not bother me. When the season first starts, I can feel the strap (get the ones with the thinnest strap) but after the first or second time, you don’t even notice it anymore.

Tania

LISA

May 14, 2016

Hi Tania,

I love reading your blog each day – the musings are too funny! Where is your QVC outlet? I love Virginia and would love to visit it sometime. My son worked at a Bible Camp in Goshen. If you’re ever looking for an idea for a post, I’d love to see how you store your jewelry, purses, and shoes. My necklaces are a mess and I can never find one to wear and not because I don’t have enough.

Toni

Tania

Debbie Peel

May 14, 2016

I wish you a very Happy Birthday! I love your blog and so glad I started following you. You have amazing talent for incorporating things you already have with new things and always look so pulled together and classy. Keep up the good work and have a fabulous day!

Betty

Tania

Elaine McCollum

May 14, 2016

Happy Birthday, Tania! I’m a little late in the day, but I hope your special day has been wonderful! I love looking at your beautiful fashion everyday, and I love your commentary of life in your neck of the woods. I live in the southern Appalachians of NC and can really relate. Enjoy your evening!

Cyndi Wydner

Tania

Sarah

May 14, 2016

Well, happy birthday. Mine was May 4th. Are you interested in helping others figure out what to wear? I’m going to a wine tasting jazz festival at a winery and it’ll probably be a hundred degrees out any tips on what to wear would be great. I’m looking for something that would go with a full shoe so my feet don’t get sore or dirty.

Tania

May 14, 2016

Oh, Sarah that sounds like lots of fun! The first thing that comes to mind is of course the great gatsby. White pants and a sparkly tank top sounds like something I would go toward. I hope you have lots of fun!

Lomasney

May 14, 2016

Hi~ I love your blog! Do you pronounce your name TAN-YA ? Often when picking out an outfit, I ask myself “Is this something Tania would wear?” I would like to pronounce your name correctly when talking to myself! ha ha

Brandye.

Tania

Peggy

May 18, 2016

Happy Birthday Month ! In my house you get to celebrate for the whole month and then you can say it’s your bday all month! Life is short – party ! People are happier when it’s someone’s birthday , I think ! You are cute as can be and I love your outfit , especially the top and pants . The belt is perfect too . I’ll have to check out Belk online and see if they still have it . Love your posts and 50 is just a number . It’s really about how you feel inside !
Pickles